according to today's Independent Andy is not playing any tournaments before Indian Wells (though personally I'd not be surprised if he applied for a wild card for delray beach to get some match practice just before).

I wouldn't be surprised either way to be honest. I wonder if Andy just feels that his time will be better spent preparing for Indian Wells and Miami, rather than playing in Delray Beach.

I suppose it's a tricky balance between playing enough, so as not to go in cold as it were, and playing in one of the tournaments, but not giving himself chance to prepare for the Masters tournaments ahead. He's surely going to want to do better in Indian Wells this year, and it would be great if he could go one better in Miami.

With Indian Wells and Miami though the main draw doesn't start until the Thursday (and lasts 11 days) due to the 96 man draw. And the 2nd round doesn't start 'til the Saturday. So even if he played Delray and got to the final, he'd still have about five days to prepare for IW. Plus, the match practice would probably get him in a good rhythm.

Andy and Ivan know best though, so whatever decision they make will certainly be a measured one.

Thanks MadHatter re Murray's entry into Dubai according to Overend I too was surprised cos Murray fell out with this tournie some years ago when he excused his early exit by saying that he was just practising! This did'nt go down very well I was also surprised by the 600 points as I had thought Dubai was only 500 and I had'nt heard that it had been upgraded I always appreciate your comments and corrections.

Interesting. Confirms that Andy is No. 2 between RG and USOpen - and I don't think he'll lose it any time soon (not to Federer anyway - Rafa's an unknown quantity). Some way to go to catch Djoker - the Final losses at Oz and Shanghai was a swing of 2,400 ranking points unfortunately.

She's too lazy too look it up and yet, she has all time to ask for my pictures. Mark, please ban her.

And Angie too...reason, computer illiterate. Unable to post a link. Please send her back to at least 100 years. She still belongs there.

Please ban their partner in crime Gangsta too. Reason - well, you really do not a need a reason for this one.

If a banning is too much then please put them all on the MW Hall of Shame wall for the next 6 months with no chance of parole.

Hey! You first post a proper pic of yours and then talk. And Angie is my dearest friend so no banning for us. I guess we need to form a bigger team to get that one pic out of you. And as for gangsta.....